Wet-skin treatment compositions using specific gum and acrylate systems for enhanced rheology

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to wet skin treatment compositions having specific gum and acrylate dispersion stabilizer systems providing enhanced rheology (e.g., lotion-like rheology and spreadability) relative to other wet skin compositions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wet-skin treatment compositions that are designed for use during bathing to impart desirable properties (e.g., “lotion-like” rheology with improved spreadability) to the skin, help maintain its health and protect it from environmental stress. The compositions comprise aqueous dispersions comprising structured oil phases which satisfy specific criteria in tests defined herein, and specific dispersion stabilizer systems offering advantages over stabilizer system of the art. The compositions are activated by water and retained efficiently on skin.

These wet skin treatment compositions impart the noted desirable benefits to the skin and are perceived to absorb quickly on wet skin, thereby leaving the skin feeling clean and non-greasy after rinsing. Thus, the consumer obtains the benefit of oily benefit agent from the wash, but does not perceive “greasy” feeling often associated with the benefit agent even after rinsing (greasy feeling is generally associated with slow absorption, while non-greasy feeling is associated with fast absorption on the skin). Further, the enhanced deposition stabilizer systems provide superior rheology/spreadability compared to other wet skin compositions in the art.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Compositions that can effectively moisturize and protect the skin during the bathing process while the skin is still wet are a potentially convenient, and time saving approach to skin treatment. By bathing is meant any number of processes commonly used to cleanse the body and face, e.g., showering. To be truly effective, these compositions must be such that an adequate level of benefit agent is retained on the skin after rinsing and/or towel drying without at the same time imparting an excessively oily feel to the wet and dry skin and without leaving it looking too shiny.

Bath oil, which is used by some consumers, must be applied sparingly because it does not absorb efficiently on the skin and the excess can be very oily and messy. Furthermore light bath oils (i.e., oils that have a low viscosity and spread on the skin) is absorb more rapidly to overcome this problem, but are not very effective in providing longer lasting benefits.

Conventional oil-in-water emulsion type skin lotions or creams that are designed to be applied to dry skin, even water resistant variants, are very poorly retained when applied to wet skin that is either further rinsed or towel dried. By contrast, conventional water-in-oil skin lotions that are designed for application to dry skin are very efficiently retained on wet skin but are excessively greasy and messy and are not perceived to absorb quickly.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,299 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,888,492, both to Starch disclose gelled mineral oil compositions where at least 49% mineral oil is gelled by specific oil soluble copolymers (ethylene/propylene/styrene; and butylene/ethylene/styrene). There is no disclosure of structurant forming a network comprising particles having average size below about 25 microns; no disclosure of oils comprising a dispersed phase; and no disclosure of the specific dispersion stabilizer system of the subject invention. U.S. Pat. No. 5,928,632 to Reusch is related to the Starch patents and is similarly unrelated to the subject invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,699,488 to Deckner discloses compositions comprising high internal phase emulsions (HIP). HIPs are defined as emulsions having 74% or greater internal oil phase that can suspend materials when oil is present. The subject application is not a HIP, but a suspension of oil in a specific cross-linked gel continuous phase. Material can be suspended with or without oil.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,511 to Aronson et al. (and related U.S. Pat. No. 6,716,440 to Aronson et al.) disclose similar wet skin compositions. At Table 8, Example 8G, there is an example disclosing both gum (xanthan) and acrylate polymer (Carbopol). In this composition, ratio of acrylate to gum is 0.5 to 1. By contrast, in the subject application, applicants have found that ratio of acrylate to gum should be at is least 0.75:1, preferably at least 1:1 and higher (e.g., 3:1). Such ratio enhances the rheology of the wet skin compositions so that typically they will have a “lotion-like” rheology which may be defined, for example, by an elastic modulus (G′) greater than 100 Pascals (correlated with a thickness consumers perceive to be “just right”); and a percent drop in G′, when a pressure of 40 to 100 Pascals is applied, of about 50% or greater (correlated with “lotion-like” perception).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unexpectedly, applicants have found that, when a specific stabilizer system is selected (i.e., acrylate and gum in specific ratios), the wet skin compositions are superior to those of the art (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,511 to Aronson et al.) in the perceived feel of the material. Specifically, the shear index/rheology is changed in that it is perceived to be more “lotion-like” and less “gel-like”. This change in rheology can be reflected in measurement of elastic modulus (G′) above about 100 Pascals (reflecting, as noted, a “just right” thickness perceived by consumers) and a drop in initial G′ measurement, when pressure of 40-100 Pascals is applied, of at least 50% (reflecting a “lotion-like” perception).

More specifically, the invention provides a wet-skin treatment composition, comprising:

a) an aqueous phase comprising water and a dispersion stabilizer,

-   -   wherein said dispersion stabilizer comprises:     -   (i) from about 0.1 to 6% by wt. of at least one acrylate polymer         selected from acrylate copolymers, homopolymers, cross polymers         and mixtures thereof; and     -   (ii) from about 0.05 to about 4% by wt. of at least one         carbohydrate gum (preferred gums are selected from xanthan gum,         gum arabic, cellulose gum, gellan gum and mixtures thereof);     -   wherein ratio of acrylate to gum is about 0.75:1 to 10:1;         preferably 1:1 to 7:1; and

b) a structured oil phase comprising:

-   -   i) a skin compatible oil;     -   ii) a structurant that forms a stable network comprising         particles having an average size below about 25 microns which         particles are present in said skin compatible oil at a         temperature below 35° C. in an amount sufficient to have a         viscosity of 50 to 5000 poise measure at 1 sect⁻¹ at 25° C.;     -   wherein said structurant is selected from the group consisting         of organic structurants having MW less than 5000 Daltons,         inorganic structurants or mixture of said organic and inorganic         structurants that is capable of forming a 3-dimensional network         to build up the viscosity of said skin compatible oil; and     -   iii) 0.01 to 45% of a dispersed phase (preferably comprising         about 1-40% of the structured oil phase), based on total         structured oil phase, within the structured oil phase;

wherein said dispersion-containing oil phase is itself dispersed and stabilized in said aqueous phase to form an oil-in-water emulsion having a weight average droplet size of 1-500 microns and the weight average drop size of the structured oil is at least 10 times larger than the size of particles dispersed inside the structured oil;

wherein said structured oil phase is capable of being efficiently retained on the skin upon rinsing as measured by a Skin Retention Efficiency Index of at least 0.15 as determined in the In-Vitro Skin Retention Test,

wherein said wet skin treatment composition has a Zein Solubility below 0.3 as measured by the Zein Solubility Test, and a Foam Volume below 5 cc as measured in the Solution Shake Test.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is plot of elastic modules G′ (in Pascals) as function of stress applied from 0-100 Pascals. As seen, at certain stress levels, there is a steep drop (associated with “lotion-like” consisting)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inventive composition described herein is designed for use as part of the bathing process to essentially treat the skin after it has been cleansed but while it is wet. To be of most utility, the composition should behave in an optimal fashion when it is used. Firstly the composition should be capable of depositing its beneficial ingredients quickly on the wet skin after the composition is applied. The beneficial agents should only deposit on the skin during active rubbing or there is a chance it will cause a slipping hazard. Secondly, the beneficial agents should be such that it is perceived to be quickly absorbed by the wet skin much like a conventional lotion is perceived to absorb on dry skin following rubout. Thirdly, the benefit agents should be substantively retained on the skin following further rinsing as would occur by a consumer rinsing off excess material, or casual exposure to the shower stream. Finally, the composition should confer desirable benefits to the skin that last longer than a few minutes while providing a clean and non-greasy/oily feel and appearance after bathing.

It should be understood that the terms “substantial retention” and “non-greasy/oily feel” are somewhat relative variables because they are subject to the variability of human preference. For example, some consumers, especially those with dry skin, appreciate a highly unctuous skin feel while others have an aversion to any perception of oiliness (oily skin consumers). Furthermore, the optimum level of material retention and skin lubricity are also dependent on skin color and overall skin condition. Consequently it is not practical and in fact not desirable to place overdue limitations on retention and lubricity because the compositions of this invention are desirably tailored to meet the needs and preferences of different types of consumers. Not withstanding this limitation, it is desirable that the compositions are capable of efficient delivery of benefit agents to the skin.

It is possible to achieve the optimal behavior described above with a composition employing specific aqueous dispersions of structured oils that meet specific functional criteria.

The elements of the invention and their functional properties are described in more detail below.

Aqueous Phase

The aqueous phase generally comprises 50 to about 97 wt. of the composition and can be predominantly water. The aqueous phase is the continuous phase of the instant composition in which the structured oil phase (and dispersed phase within) is dispersed. The aqueous phase contains the dispersion stabilizer (discussed below), and optionally such ingredients as preservatives, wetting agents, auxiliary emulsifiers and various optional benefit agents (see below)

A Structured Oil Phase

The structured oil phase of the subject invention comprises three essential components: a skin compatible oil, a structurant that can form a stable network at a temperature below 35° C., and dispersed phase within the structured oil phase.

As noted, the structured oil phase has a dispersed phase. This dispersed phase contains solid particles or water soluble skin benefit agent to enhance the retention of solid particles or water soluble ingredients on the skin from an in-shower skin conditioner.

Skin Compatible Oils

A skin compatible oils is defined here as an oil that is liquid at the temperature at which bathing is carried out that is deemed safe for use in cosmetics being either inert to the skin or actually beneficial. The most useful skin compatible oils for the present invention include ester oils, hydrocarbon oils, and silicone oils.

Ester oils as the name implies have at least one ester group in the molecule. One type of common ester oil useful in the present invention are the fatty acid mono and polyesters such as cetyl octanoate, octyl isonanoanate, myristyl lactate, cetyl lactate, isopropyl myristate, myristyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl adipate, butyl stearate, decyl oleate, cholesterol isostearate, glycerol monostearate, glycerol distearate, glycerol tristearate, alkyl lactate, alkyl citrate and alkyl tartrate; sucrose ester, sorbitol ester, and the like.

A second type of useful esters oil is predominantly comprised of triglycerides and modified triglycerides. These include vegetable oils such as jojoba, soybean, canola, sunflower, safflower, rice bran, avocado, almond, olive, sesame, persic, castor, coconut, and mink oils. Synthetic triglycerides can also be employed provided they are liquid at room temperature. Modified triglycerides include materials such as ethoxylated and maleated triglyceride derivatives, provided they are liquids. Proprietary ester blends such as those sold by Finetex as Finsolv® are also suitable, as is ethylhexanoic acid glyceride.

A third type of ester oil is liquid polyester formed from the reaction of a dicarboxylic acid and a diol. An example of polyesters suitable for the present invention is the polyesters marketed by ExxonMobil under the trade name PURESYN ESTER®.

A second class of skin compatible oils suitable for the present invention is liquid hydrocarbons. These include linear and branched oils such as liquid paraffin, squalene, squalane, mineral oil, low viscosity synthetic hydrocarbons such as polyalphaolefin sold by ExxonMobil under the trade name of PureSyn PAO® and polybutene under the trade name PANALANE® or INDOPOL®. Light (low viscosity) highly branched hydrocarbon oils are also suitable.

Petrolatum is a unique hydrocarbon material and a useful component of the present invention. Since it is only partially comprised of a liquid fraction at room temperature, it is more properly regarded as either the “structured oil phase” when present by itself or alternatively as the “structurant” (see below) when admixed with other skin compatible oils.

A third class of useful skin compatible oils is silicone based. They include linear and cyclic polydimethyl siloxane, organo functional silicones (alkyl and alkyl aryl), and amino silicones.

Structurant

Another component of the structured oil phase is a structurant. The structurant must satisfy two requirements.

Firstly, the structurant must be capable of forming a stable network of finely divided solids in the skin compatible oil phase at a temperature below 35° C. This property is critical so that the structured oil is active during use but is not perceived as gritty. By finely divided solids is meant a network comprised of particles of a weight average size predominantly below about 25 microns, preferably below 10 microns and most preferably below 1 micron. By stable, is typically meant the network survives at least about one month of storage at 25° C.

The structurant provides structured oil phase with the correct rheological properties. To provide effective deposition and retention to the skin, the structured oil phase should have a viscosity in the range of 50 to 5000 poise measured at 1 Sec-1, preferably 100-3000 poise, and most preferably 100-2000 poise as determined by Haake rotational viscometer utilizing concentric cylinders.

It is also desirable for the oil phase be pseudoplastic, i.e., to have shear thinning behavior to facilitate an elegant rub-in of the oil phase after it deposits on skin. Thus especially preferred structurants are those that can meet the above requirements and also produce a structured oil phases that has a viscosity in the range of 30-200 poise measured at 10 sec-1, preferably 40-150 poise at 10 sec-1 measured with Haake viscometer as noted above.

Structurants meeting the above requirements with the selected skin compatible oil can form 3-dimensional network to build up the viscosity of the selected oils. It has been found that such structured oil phases, i.e., built with the 3-dimensional network, are extremely desirable for use as wet-skin treatment compositions used in bathing. These structured oils can deposit and be retained very effectively on wet skin and be retained after rinsing and drying to provide long-lasting after wash skin benefit without causing a too oily/greasy wet and dry feel. It is believed that the highly desirable in-use and after-use properties of the such structured oils are due to their shear thinning rheological properties and the weak structure of the network. Due to its high low-shear viscosity, the solid-network structured oil can stick and retain well on the skin during application of the skin conditioner. After being deposited on the skin, the network yields easily during rubbing due to the weak structuring of the crystal network and its lower high-shear viscosity.

The structurant can be either an organic or inorganic structurant. Preferred inorganic structurants are hydrophobically modified silica or hydrophobically modified clay with particle size less than 1 micrometer. Examples are Bentone 27V, Bentone 38V or Bentone gel MIO V from Rheox, and Cab-O-Sil TS720 or Cab-O-Sil M5 from Cabot Corporation.

The organic structurants are either crystalline solids or amorphous gels with molecular weight less than 5,000 Daltons, preferably less than 3,000 Daltons.

Preferred organic structurants have a melting point greater than 35° C., preferably greater than 40° C. Especially preferred structurants are those that can form a solution with the selected skin compatible oil at a temperature higher than their melting point to form a free flowing clear solution. Upon cooling to the ambient temperature, the organic structurant precipitate from the oil phase to form a 3-dimensional crystal structure providing the physical properties set forth above.

Examples of organic thickeners suitable for the invention are solid fatty acid esters, natural or modified fats, fatty acid, fatty amine, fatty alcohol, natural and synthetic waxes, and petrolatum. Petrolatum is a preferred organic structuring agents.

Particularly preferred organic structurants are solid fatty acid esters and petrolatum. Examples of solid fatty esters are mono, di or tri glycerides derivatives of palmitic acid, stearic acid, or hydroxystearic acid; sugar fatty ester or fatty esters of dextrin. Examples of these polyol fatty acid esters are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,427,704, 5,472,728, 6,156,369, 5,490,995 and EP patent 398409 incorporated by reference herein. Trihydroxystearin sold under the trade name of THIXCIN R from Rheox Corporation is found particularly useful for structuring triglyceride ester oils.

The level of structurant present in the structured oil phase can be in the range of 1 to 90% and depends on the type of structurant used and the nature of the skin compatible oil. For solid organic structurants such as trihydroxystearin, the preferred level is 3 to 15%. However, the exact levels used should provide a stable network having the desired viscosity in the range of 100 to 5000 poise measured at a shear rate of 1 Sec-1 and can be readily optimized by one skilled in the art.

The structured oil phase comprising the skin compatible oil(s) and the structurant(s) described above are dispersed in the aqueous phase to form droplets that have a weight average droplet diameter that is in the range of 10-1000 microns, preferably 20-1000, more preferably 50-500 microns.

A third component of the structured oil is a dispersed phase which is contained within the structured oil. The dispersed phase found within the structured oil may comprise inorganic particles, organic particles and/or droplets of water-soluble ingredients.

Examples of inorganic particles include but are not limited to unmodified or modified silica, talc and mica; and examples of organic particles are silicone powders or capsules such as perfume capsules or vitamin E capsules. These solid particles should preferably be cosmetic grade approved for personal cleansing application. Preferred solid particles are cosmetic grade solid particles that are widely used in skin lotions or color cosmetics to improve either the tactile or visual appearance of the skin.

Capsules suitable for this invention are free flow powders prepared by various encapsulation processes such as interfacial polymerization encapsulation, coacervation encapsulation, spray drying/cooling encapsulation or spray coating encapsulation. Water-soluble ingredients which may be used include skin benefit agents used to improve the state of the skin include (a) humectants used to retain water in the skin such as glycerol, sorbitol, glycols, polyols, urea, saccharides such as Fructose, water soluble polymers and their mixtures; (b) lipid barrier repair agents that are useful for strengthening, and replenishing the stratum corneum's barrier lipids such as cholesterol, cholesterol esters, ceramides, and pseudoceramides; (c) vitamins used to strengthen the skin such as vitamin A, B, and E and vitamin alkyl esters, including vitamin C alkyl esters; and (d) anti-aging agents used to exfoliate and stimulate cell turnover such as ^(s) _(x) and ^(E) _(T) hydroxy acids, retinol, and retinol esters.

Structured oil containing the dispersed phase can be prepared by mixing the dispersed phase together with the structured oil before adding it to the aqueous phase. To improve the stability of the dispersed phase in the oil during mixing or after preparation, water-in-oil emulsifiers such as ABIL EM90 from Goldschmidt Chemical or Arlacel 80 or Arlacel 186 from Uniqema can be used. Typically the dispersed phase in the structured oil will have size of 0.1 to 150 microns, preferably 0.2 to 100 microns.

The dispersed phase is present in the structured oil phase at a level of 0.01-45%, preferably 0.5 to 42%, more preferably 1 to 40% of the structured oil phase.

Generally the structured oil phase (containing dispersed phase) is present in the wet-skin treatment composition at a level of 3 wt. % to about 50 wt. % , preferably from 4 wt. % to about 35 wt. %, and most preferably from 5 wt. % to about 25 wt. %.

Dispersion Stabilizer

Another required element of the invention is an emulsion stabilizer (found in aqueous phase). The dispersion stabilizer must provide adequate storage stability to the composition. Since the structured oil phase has a weight average droplet size that is greater than 10 microns, typically in the range of 50 to 500 microns, it is prone to separate under the action of gravity (creaming or sedimentation depending upon its density). The structured oil phases of this invention are also prone to stick together and coalesce. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the stable solid network facilitates coalescence by providing asperities that induce film rupture. The same property that is useful in achieving efficient deposition on skin also makes the structured phase prone to instability on storage.

The most effective dispersion stabilizers are consequently those that can provide an adequate structure to the aqueous phase to immobilize the droplets thus preventing both gravitational separation and collision with other droplets. However, if the dispersion is too stable, the droplets of structured oil are inhibited from coming into proximity with the skin and thus effectively depositing. Therefore, the most effective dispersion stabilizers provided have excellent stability in the bottle but loose their effectiveness in immobilizing the structured oil when they are applied to wet skin.

Specifically, the subject invention is a selection of various stabilizers disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,511 to Aronson.

More specifically, this stabilized system is a combination of at least one carbohydrate gum and one acrylate copolymer in specific defined ratios.

Carbohydrate gum which may be used according to the subject invention include cellulose gum, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose gel, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxymethyl carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, hydroxymethyl carboxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, guar gum, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, gum arabic, gum acacia, gum agar, xanthan gum and mixtures thereof. Preferred carbohydrate gums are the cellulose gums, xanthan, gum arabic, guar gum, gellan gum and mixtures thereof. The gum may comprise 0.05 to 10% by wt., preferably 0.1 to 6.0% of the composition.

Acrylate containing homo and copolymers include the crosslinked poly acrylates sold by Noveon under the CARBOPOL trade name; the hydrophobically modified cross linked polyacrylates sold by Noveon under the PEMULEN trade name; and the alkali swellable acrylic latex polymers sold by Rohm and Haas under the ARYSOL or ACULYN trade names. Another polymer which may be used is Ultrez from Noveon. These may comprise 0.1 to 6.0% by wt., preferably 0.3 to 4.0% of the composition.

At least one of each kind of stabilizers must be used and, together, they may be present in an amount from about 0.1 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of the composition. However, the ratio of one to the other is a criticality and it is critical ratio of acrylate to gum is at least about 0.75:1 to about 10:1, preferably at least 1:1, more preferably at least 3:1 to 7:1.

Auxiliary Benefit Agents

The composition can optionally contain a variety of auxiliary agents. These auxiliary agents: functional skin benefit agents; sensory modifiers; and miscellaneous ingredients such as essential oils, and preservatives.

Functional Skin Benefit Agents

These materials function to in some way improve the state of the skin and include the following:

-   -   a) humectants used to retain water in the skin such as glycerol,         sorbitiol, glycols, polyols, urea and their mixtures;     -   b) lipid barrier repair agents that are useful for         strengthening, and replenishing the stratum corneum's barrier         lipids such as cholesterol, cholesterol esters, ceramides, and         pseudoceramides;         -   c) additional occlusive agents used to hold water in the             stratum corneum such as natural and synthetic waxes and             polyethylene;         -   d) vitamins used to strengthen the skin such as vitamin A,             B, and E and vitamin alkyl esters, including vitamin C alkyl             esters;     -   e) anti-aging agents used to exfoliate and stimulate cell         turnover such as ∀ and ∃ hydroxy acids, retinol, and retinol         esters;     -   f) Sunscreens such block the suns harmful UV rays such as octyl         methoxy cinnamate (Parsol MCX) and butyl methoxy benzoylmethane         (Parsol 1789), ultra-fine TiO2, ZnO and their mixtures;     -   g) skin lightening agents used to increase the lightness on the         skin such as niacinamide;     -   h) antimicrobial agents such as         2-hydroxy-4,2′,4′-trichlorodiphenylether (Triclosan or Ergasan         DP300) and 3,4,4′-trichlorocarbanilide (TCC);     -   i) antioxidants used to reduce photo damage and premature damage         due to excessive oxidation such as ascorby palmitate, Vitamin E         acetate, butylated hydroxyanisole and;         2,6-ditertiarybutylpara-cresol;     -   j) insect repellants such as N,N-dimethy-m-toluamide,         3-(N-butyl-Nacetyl)-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester and         dipropyl isocinchomeronate; and

mixtures of any of the foregoing components.

Sensory Modifiers

These materials improve the aesthetic properties of the formulation and can be mixed with the structured oil phase before adding it into the aqueous phase or can be added to the aqueous phase to form a solution or dispersion. Suitable sensory modifiers include:

-   -   a′) emollient oils and emollient waxes used to improve the feel         of the composition after rubbing into the skin, including:         silicone resins, natural and synthetic waxes such as carnauba,         spermaceti, beeswax, lanolin and derivatives thereof; higher         fatty acids and alcohol;     -   b′) skin conditioning polymers that can alter the wet and dry         skin feel provided by the composition. Such polymers include         non-ionic polymers such as polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl         alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrollidone, anionic polymers such as         polyaspartate, poly maleates and sulfonates, cationic polymers         and their mixtures. Suitable cationic polymers include Guar         hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, Quaternium-19,-23,-40,-57,         poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride), poly (dimethyl butenyl         ammonium chloride)-, w-bis (triethanolammonium chloride), poly         (dipropyldiallylammonium chloride), poly (methyl-beta         propaniodiallylammonium chloride), poly (diallylpiperidinium         chloride), poly (vinyl pyridinium chloride), quaternised poly         (vinyl alcohol),quaternized poly         (dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate), and water insoluble polymers         especially useful to modify wet skin feel such as polybutene,         polyisobutene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyalphaolefin and         polyesters; and mixtures thereof;     -   c′) perfumes used to provide in-use fragrance and lingering         fragrance on skin;     -   d′) distributing agents (also called a wetting agents) used to         help the wet-skin treatment composition spread easily and         uniformly over the body and reduce drag such as alkyl betaines,         nonionic surfactants, silicone surfactants, and high molecular         weight polyethene oxide;     -   e′) Emulsifying and dispersing agents that can reduce         interfacial especially useful during processing. Some exemplary         materials include: alkyl glycosides, other nonionic, cationic,         and zwitterionic surfactants;     -   f′) chemosensory used to provide pleasant sensations like         cooling such menthol and its derivatives, and certain essential         oils well known in the art; and     -   g′) cosmetic grade solid particles that are effective in         affecting either tactile or visual appearance of the skin such         as talc, TiO2, silica or mica; for visual effect, color cosmetic         grade pigments such as Timiron® MP pigments or Timiron® Splendid         interference pigments are particular useful.

The sensory modifier of g′ are actually part of the dispersion incorporated into the structured oil phase.

Miscellaneous Agents

The composition of the invention can also contain a various essential oils such as, jasmine, camphor, white cedar, bitter orange peel, ryu, turpentine, cinnamon, bergamot, citrus unshiu, calamus, pine, lavender, bay, clove, hiba, eucalyptus, lemon, starflower, thyme, peppermint, rose, sage, menthol, cineole, eugenol, citral, Citronella, borneol, linalool, geraniol, evening primrose, thymol, spirantol, pinene, limonene and terpenoid oils.

Further useful classes of materials are preservatives, chelating agents and antioxidants. These materials are especially important when triglyceride ester oil are employed. Suitable preservatives for the present composition include: dimethyloldimethylhydantoin (Glydant XL1000), parabens, sorbic acid etc. Suitable chelators include tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) sold under the trade name VERSENE® 100XL, and hydroxyethilidene diphosphonic acid sold under the trade name Dequest® 2010 or mixtures in an amount of 0.01 to 1%, preferably 0.01 to 0.05%. An example of an antioxidant is butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Chelating agents are useful in binding metal ions including Ca/Mg as well as transition metal ions.

Still other useful agents include organic solvents, such as ethanol; exfoliants/abrasives, auxiliary thickeners, coloring agents, opacifiers and pearlizers such as zinc stearate, magnesium stearate, TiO₂, EGMS (ethylene glycol monostearate) or Lytron® 621 (Styrene/Acrylate copolymer); all of which are useful in enhancing the appearance or cosmetic properties of the product.

The compositions described above are meant to be applied to wet-skin as a penultimate step or one of the last steps in the bathing process. They are also meant to leave a significant portion of their beneficial agents in contact with the skin. To be most effective in this regard the compositions should satisfy three additional requirements.

The first additional requirement is that the composition should be extremely mild to the skin and should not have any harsh surfactants present, which have the potential to be retained and irritate the skin if not completely rinsed. This requirement can be met by ensuring that the composition be below a critical value in a test that correlates with the mildness of an aqueous composition. Such a test is the Zein Solubility Test (described in the Methods Section below) that is well known in the art as a rapid screen for the irritation potential of a composition especially one that contains surface active materials(W. Kastner and P. J Frosh, skin irritation of various anionic surfactants in the duhring-chamber-test on volunteers in comparison with in-vitro and animal test methods, Fette Seifen Anstrichhmittel Volume 83, Pages 3346 (1981)). Thus, the wet-skin compositions suitable for the present use must have a Mildness Index less than 0.3 wt. % and preferably less than 0.1 wt. % as measured by the Zein Solubility Test: a value that is essentially close to the Zein solubility of pure water, about 0.04 to 0.06 wt. %.

The second additional requirement is that the compositions be essentially non-foaming. The reason for this requirement is related to human behavior based on experience. Although the treatment compositions described herein are highly substantive, it is important to minimize how vigorously (time and mechanical action) the skin is rinsed before bathing is concluded. Foam is a cue that foreign detergent has been applied to the skin and must be removed via vigorous rinsing otherwise it will be left behind. Thus, the wet-skin treatment compositions described herein should have a Foaming Volume of less than 5 CC, preferably less than 2 CC and most preferably less than 1 CC when measured by the Solution Shake Test described below in the Methods Section below.

The last additional requirement is that the wet-skin treatment composition actually deposits sufficient material on the wet skin to be effective and that this deposited material be retained after rinsing and or towel drying. The method used to measure the ability of the composition to be retained on the skin during rinsing is the In-vitro Skin Retention Test described in the Methods Section. Thus, to be an effective wet skin treatment, the composition should have a Skin Retention Index of at least 0.15, preferably greater than 0.25 and most preferably greater than 0.5.

EXAMPLES

Test Methods

This section describes the test methods that are used to characterize the wet-skin compositions especially with respect to their irritation potential,

Zein Solubility Test (Irritation Potential)

The Zein solubility test provided a rapid and convenient screen for irritation potential especially for compositions that contain surface active agents. The procedure is as follows:

-   -   1. Mix 5 g. of the cleanser with 45 g of deionized water using a         magnetic stirrer for 5 to 10 minutes to form an uniform         solution.     -   2. Record the pH of the solution.     -   3. Withdraw about 5 ml of the solution and filter it through         0.45 micrometer filter into a vial for % solid measurement (mark         the solution as blank).     -   4. Add about 2 g of zein to the remaining solution and mix for         60 minutes using a magnetic stirrer. Check the solution every         ten minutes to ensure that there is enough undissolved zein in         the mixture. If most of the zein dissolved, add 1 more gram of         zein into the solution and continue the mixing (always keep zein         in excess but not too much because zein will swells and make the         solution difficult to filter).     -   5. After mixing, let the solution settle for 5 minutes. Withdraw         5 ml of the supernatant in a syringe and filter it through 0.45         micron filter into a vial and mark it as sample. (Centrifuge the         solution at 3,000 rpm for 5 minutes before filtration if the         supernatant is hard to separate).     -   6. Determine the % solid of the blank and the sample by weighing         about 3 to 4 grams of the filtrate in an aluminum dish using an         analytical balance and drying the filtrate overnight in a 75° C.         oven.     -   7. Calculate % solid of zein dissolved in the diluted liquid         solution using the following equation.         % solid of zein solubilised=% solid of sample−% solid of blank         Solution Shake Test (Foaming)

This test provided a simple and convenient measure of the ability of the composition to form foam. The test method is as follows:

-   -   1. Mix 2 g of the conditioner with 18 g of deionized water for         about 2 to 3 minutes until it forms an uniform solution.     -   2. Add 10 cc of the above diluted conditioner solution to a 50         cc cylinder (15 cm high, 2.06 cm in diameter).     -   3. Grape the top of the cylinder and sake the cylinder in a up         and down motion 30 times within 8 to 12 seconds.     -   4. Once shaking is over, wait 60 seconds before taking the foam         measurement.     -   5. Measure the foam volume, which is defined as the volume from         the surface of the solution to the top of the foam column.     -   6. Duplicate the run and take the average as the foam volume of         a specific product.

The following compositions are used for reference: Shaker Test Foam Composition Volume (CC Foam) Dove All-Day Moisturizing Body Wash 26 Oil of Olay Daily Renewal Moisturizing Body Wash 29 Lever 2000 Pure Rain Body Wash 43 In-vitro Skin Retention Test

This in-vitro test simulates the ability of the composition when applied to clean wet skin to be retained after rinsing with water and drying with a towel. To accomplish this procedure a UV chromophore, Parsol MCX is incorporated into the oil phase of test compositions and used as the detection probe.

The test procedure is as follows:

Substrate Preparation

A sample of porcine skin (3 to 4 weeks old female) used as the substrate is washed with 15% NaLES (sodium ethoxy (3 EO) sulfate) solution, rinsed with tap water, patted dry and shaved. The skin is cut into pieces approximately 4 cm by 9 cm and stored in the freezer for later use.

Test Procedure

-   1. A 4×9 cm sample of skin as prepared above is washed with 0.2 to     0.3 grams of a 15% NaLES solution for 30 seconds and rinsed with     warm tap water for 30 seconds. -   2. A calculated amount of shower conditioner (at a dose of 3     micrograms per square centimeters) is applied and rubbed in a     circular motion on the skin for 30 seconds. -   3. The skin is then rinsed with tap water for 30 seconds at a flow     rate delivering 13.5 g to 13.8 g of water per second at a     temperature of 30° C. -   4. The skin is patted dry with a paper towel and then left to     air-dry for 5 minutes. -   5. A glass ring of 3 cm in diameter is placed tightly on the skin. -   6. With a mechanical pipette 5 mL of heptane are dispensed into the     ring while holding the ring tautly. -   7. The heptane is mixed on the skin with a transfer pipette by     slowly squeezing the pipette repeatedly for 2 minutes and 30     seconds. -   8. After 2 minutes and 30 seconds are up, the heptane is transferred     from the ring to a small capped vial. -   9. Steps 7-9 are repeated. There should be in total of approximately     10 mL of heptane in the small vial. -   10. The vial is weighed and labeled. -   11. The Parsol MCX concentration in the heptane extract are     determined with a UV spectrometer (Biorad GS 700) using a 1 cm cell     and a wavelength 900 to 1900 Nm. -   12. The amount of Parsol MCX extracted per cm² of porcine skin is     then calculated as follows:     MCX extracted per cm²=Wt. % MCX in heptane×Total Wt heptane     extracted+7 cm² -   13. The percent of oil retained on the skin is finally calculated     using the following equation and recorded as % retention of oil     after rinsing.     ${{Oil}\quad{Retention}\quad{Index}} = \frac{{Amount}\quad{of}\quad{Parsol}\quad{MCX}\quad{extracted}\quad{per}\quad{cm}^{2}\quad{of}\quad{porcine}\quad{skin}}{{Amount}\quad{of}\quad{Parsol}\quad{MCX}\quad{dosed}\quad{per}\quad{cm}^{2}\quad{of}\quad{porcine}\quad{skin}}$     Expert Sensory Panel Evaluation

This evaluation protocol is used to evaluate the sensory properties of the wet-skin treatment compositions and employs an expert sensory panel. The methodology is a variant of that initially proposed Tragon and employs a language generation step.

The procedure is as follows:

-   1. wet hands and forearms under running water for 5 seconds. -   2. grab the soap bar, wet under running water, and generate lather     by rotating the bar 5 times in hand. -   3. put the bar back, apply the lather on the forearm and wash the     forearm for 5 seconds. -   4. rinse the hands -   5. rinse the forearm under the running tap water for 5 seconds. -   6. dispense 0.5 cc product on the forearm from a syringe. -   7. rub the product all over the forearm for 10 seconds. -   8. use the hand to help rinse the forearm under running water for 7     seconds.

(evaluate product's rinsing properties and wet-skin feel)

-   9. pat dry the hands and the forearm.

(evaluate product's skin feel right after and 15 to 20 minutes after pat dry)

The key attributes evaluated and its definition are summarized as follows. Key Attributes Definition of Attributes OILY/GREASY Perception of a slippery substance, light and slick (TOUCH) (oily) to heavy and thick (greasy) WAXY COATING A smooth film with slight hesitation when move the fingers across the skin RINSEABILITY Ease of rinse off the product TACKY/STICKY Resistance/adhesive quality to the skin after product usage DRAG The ability of moving fingers across the skin. (Low drag to high drag) HYDRATED/ A feeling of moisture being absorbed into skin, skin MOISTURIZED not dry. SOFT Skin surface that yields easily to finger pressure SMOOTH Ease with which the fingers glide across the surface of the skin AMOUNT OF A feeling of product remaining on the surface of RESIDUAL skin.

The water used was 40 PPM hardness expressed as PPM CaCO₃.

Controlled Application Dryness Tests

Various controlled application clinical test methods have been developed to quantify the effects of cleansers on the skin, particularly to examine their relative potential to dry or moisturize the skin and their effects on skin barrier function. These tests can easily be adapted to wet-skin treatment compositions because such compositions are essentially rinse-off treatments and can be applied during testing in much the same way as cleansers apart from dosage and lather considerations. The tests utilize a combination of subjective evaluations (visual skin condition assessment by expert graders) as well as objective measures, i.e. instrumental biophysical measurements to quantitate treatment induced changes to the skin's barrier function and skin's ability to retain moisture. Several well known alternative techniques can be employed to visual asses dryness, moisturization, and barrier function using carefully controlled application protocols. These include the Leg Wash, the Arm Wash, and the Forearm Controlled Application Test protocol. These protocols are described below:

Modified Leg Wash Protocol

This protocol is used to examine the effect of wet-skin treatment compositions on improving leg dryness. Study design and procedures are as follows:

At least 15 female subjects (35-65 year old) are enrolled into the study and at least 13 must complete the product application phase. Dove® beauty bar was provided for general cleansing six days prior to the start of test product application. Subject's were instructed to continue the use of Dove for home cleansing throughout the study.

On the first day of product application, a template was used to divided the subjects' legs into a two 54cm² sites (upper/lower). Two treatment sessions per day (morning, afternoon) were performed on days 1-2, and one wash session was performed in the morning on day 3. The washes and/or evaluations were scheduled approximately 4 hours apart.

The test product application procedure was as follows: The test site was first washed for 30 seconds with a standard mild cleansing solution and then rinsed for 15 seconds under running water. The wet-skin treatment composition (250 uL) was then immediately applied to the skin. The product was manipulated across the test site for 30 seconds, retained for 30 seconds, rinsed for 15-seconds, and patted dry. Study personnel performed all product applications.

Evaluation Methods

Baseline visual assessments are made prior to the start of the product application phase, and immediately before each treatment session to evaluate dryness and erythema thereafter. A test site will be discontinued if a clinical dryness or erythema score of >3.0 is reached, or at the subject's request. If only one leg is discontinued, the remaining leg will continue to be washed according to schedule. The same evaluator under conditions that are consistent throughout the study will conduct all of the visual evaluations. The 0-4 grading scale shown in Table 1 is used to assess the test sites for dryness and erythema. To maintain the evaluator's blindness to product assignment, the visual assessments will be conducted in a separate area away from the product application area. Visual Dryness Grading - Leg Wash Application (Same scale used in Modified Arm Wash Protocol) Grade Dryness 0 None 0.5 Perceptible dryness, whiteness in lines of the skin (fine white lines) 1.0 Slight flaking/uplifting of flakes (patchy and/or powdered appearance. 1.5 Slight to moderate flaking/uplifting flakes (uniform). 2.0 Moderate flaking/ uplifting flakes, (uniform) and/or slight scaling. 2.5 Moderate to severe flaking/uplifting flakes and/or moderate scaling. 3.0 Severe flaking/scaling, uplifting of scales and/or slight fissuring 3.5 Severe scaling/uplifting scales and/or moderate fissuring 4.0 Severe scaling/uplifting scales; with severe fissuring/cracking Data Analysis

If product application has been discontinued on a test site due to a dryness or erythema score of ≧3.0 all data (clinical grades) at that evaluation for that subject are carried forward for the remaining time points. Data for the discontinued sites are used such that the last acceptable reading (i.e. the last fair comparison) is used as the endpoint in the analysis. Actual data for the discontinued sites is recorded, but not included in the statistical analysis.

The dryness and erythema scales are treated as ordered categorizations; hence, nonparametric statistical methods are used. At each evaluation point, the differences in clinical grades (evaluation score subtracting the baseline score) within each product is evaluated using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test, Pratt-Lehmann version (Lehmann, E. L. Nonparametrics: Statistical Methods Based on Ranks. San Francisco, Calif.: Holden Day, 1975, pg. 130). Statistical significance will be determined at the 90% confidence level (p<0.10). This will indicate if the treatment results are statistically significant from their baseline score.

Means, median scores, and mean ranks across all subjects for each treatment at each evaluation point are calculated and recorded. At each evaluation point, the differences in clinical grades (evaluation-baseline) for each test product is evaluated using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test, Pratt-Lehmann version. This indicates if the products are statistically significantly different from each other (90% confidence level (p<0.10).

For the instrumental data, the same comparisons are made using parametric statistical methods. The TEWL and conductance measurements are averaged separately for each subject, site, and session. For all treatments, treatment differences are statistically compared using a paired t-test at each evaluation point. Statistical significance will be determined at the 90% confidence level (p<0.10).

The data will also be assessed to determine whether one treatment impacts skin condition to a greater degree relative to the other test cell through the number of discontinuations. For each attribute, a survival analysis will examine treatment performance over wash sessions. The analysis will incorporate the number of wash sessions that a subject's treatment site is actually washed in the study. If the treatment site is discontinued, then the site's survival time is determined at that evaluation. An overlay plot of the estimated survival function for each treatment group will be examined. The Log-Rank test statistic will be computed to test for homogeneity of treatment groups. This test will tell if the survival functions are the same for each of the treatment groups. Also, the number of wash sessions survived by a treatment site during the study (prior to the possible discontinuation of that side) will be compared between treatments via a paired t-test, using the test subject as a block.

If dryness and erythema rank scores are also assigned at each evaluation, the treatments will be compared with respect to the rank scores by application of the Friedman's test on the ranks, with subject acting as a block [ref. Hollander, Myles and Douglas A. Wolfe. Nonparametric Statistical Methods. New York, N.Y. John Wiley & Sons, 1973, pp. 139-146].

At each evaluation, if Friedman's test examining treatment effects is significant at a p-value of 0.05 or other preselected level, then multiple comparison tests comparing each pair of treatments will be performed. For comparison of all possible pairs of treatments, the procedure documented in Hollander and Wolfe pp. 151-155 will be used. This test is based on the Friedman rank sums. For comparison of treatments vs. a control, the procedure documented in Hollander and Wolfe pp. 155-158 will be used.

Modified Standard Arm Wash Protocol

This test has been described in detail and validated by Sharko et al for cleansers and is easily adapted for rinse-off wet skin treatment compositions (Arm wash evaluation with instrumental evaluation—A sensitive technique for differentiating the irritation potential of personal washing products, J. Derm. Clin. Eval. Soc. 2, 19 (1991)). A description of the protocol follows:

Subjects report to the testing facility for the conditioning phase of the study, which consists of using an assigned marketed personal washing cleanser for general use at home, up to four days prior to start of the product application phase. On Day 1 of the product application phase, a visual assessment is made to determine subject qualification. Subjects must have dryness scores≦1.0 and erythema scores≦0.5, and be free of cuts and abrasions on or near the test sites to be included in the product application phase. Subjects who qualify to enter the product application phase will be instructed to discontinue the use of the conditioning product and any other skin care products on their inner forearms, with the exception of the skin cleansing test formulations that are applied during the testing visits. During the five (5) day product application phase of the study, visual assessments for dryness and erythema are conducted prior to each wash session. Wash sessions are conducted 4 times daily, approximately 1.5 hours apart for the first four (4) days. On the last day, there are two (2) wash sessions followed by a final visual evaluation three hours after the final wash. Each application consists of a one application of the rinse-off treatment composition. Up to a total of 18 washes and 19 evaluations performed in this protocol. Instrument measurements are taken at baseline, at various time points after the application and rinsing phase.

Application Procedure:

-   -   1. Timer is set to designated application time     -   2. The left test site (volar forearm) is washed with a control         cleanser (e.g., 1 minute), and rinsed with warm water (90°-100°         F.).     -   3. Treatment product is dispensed, and the timer is started.     -   4. The site is treated in a back and forth motion, one stroke         per second (a stroke is from the inner elbow to the wrist and         back to the inner elbow) for the designated time.     -   5. The fingertips are re-wet at the midpoint of application,         i.e., at 30 sec, for a one minute application.     -   6. The site is rinsed with warm running water and patted dry.     -   7. The above procedure (1-6) is repeated for the right test         site.         Evaluation Methods

Baseline visual assessments are made prior to the start of the product application phase, and immediately before each wash session to evaluate dryness. The same evaluator under conditions that are consistent throughout the study will conduct all of the visual evaluations. The 0-4 grading scale that is essentially identical to that described for the Leg Wash Protocol above, shown in is used to assess the test sites for dryness. To maintain the evaluator's blindness to product assignment, the visual assessments will be conducted in a separate area away from the product application area.

Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) measurements for barrier integrity are made on each test site using a Servomed Evaporimeter EP1 and/or EP2 at the beginning (baseline value), and at various time points after product application, and at the end of the study. Two consecutive fifteen-second readings per test site are taken for each TEWL evaluation, following a thirty-second equilibration period. (See method description below)

Skin conductance is measured using a SKICON-200 instrument, with an MT-8C probe, and/or Capacitance is measured using a Corneometer, at the beginning (baseline value), and at the end of the product application phase or at the time of discontinuation (final value). These methods provide objective measures of stratum corneum hydration. Three consecutive readings per test site will be taken and averaged (See method description below)

Data Analysis

The dryness is treated as ordered categorizations; hence, nonparametric statistical methods are used. At each evaluation point, the differences in clinical grades (evaluation score subtracting the baseline score) within each product is evaluated using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test, Pratt-Lehmann version (Lehmann, E. L. Nonparametrics: Statistical Methods Based on Ranks. San Francisco, Calif.: Holden Day, 1975, pg. 130). Statistical significance will be determined at the 90% confidence level (p<0.10). This will indicate if the treatment results are statistically significant from their baseline score.

Means, median scores, and mean ranks across all subjects for each treatment at each evaluation point are calculated and recorded. At each evaluation point, the differences in clinical grades (evaluation-baseline) for each test product is evaluated using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test, Pratt-Lehmann version. This indicates if the products are statistically significantly different from each other (90% confidence level (p<0.10).

For the instrumental data, the same comparisons are made using parametric statistical methods. The TEWL and conductance measurements are averaged separately for each subject, site, and session. For all treatments, treatment differences are statistically compared using a paired t-test at each evaluation point. Statistical significance will be determined at the 90% confidence level (p<0.10).

The data will also be assessed to determine whether one treatment impacts skin condition to a greater degree relative to the other test cell through the number of discontinuations. For each attribute, a survival analysis will examine treatment performance over wash sessions. The analysis will incorporate the number of wash sessions that a subject's treatment site is actually washed in the study.

If dryness rank scores are also assigned at each evaluation, the treatments will be compared with respect to the rank scores by application of the Friedman's test on the ranks, with subject acting as a block [ref. Hollander, Myles and Douglas A. Wolfe. Nonparametric Statistical Methods. New York, N.Y. John Wiley & Sons, 1973, pp. 139-146].

At each evaluation, if Friedman's test examining treatment effects is significant at a p-value of 0.05 or other preselected level, then multiple comparison tests comparing each pair of treatments will be performed. For comparison of all possible pairs of treatments, the procedure documented in Hollander and Wolfe pp. 151-155 will be used. This test is based on the Friedman rank sums. For comparison of treatments vs. a control, the procedure documented in Hollander and Wolfe pp. 155-158 will be used.

The Modified Arm Wash Protocol described above is also easily modified to utilize 4 sites (2 on each arm) instead of two.

Transepidermal Water Loss Test (TEWL)

The Derma Lab Model # CR 200001-140 was used to quantify the rates of transepidermal water loss following the procedures similar to those outlined by Murahata et al (“The use of transepidermal water loss to measure and predict the irritation response to surfactants” Int. J. Cos. Science 8, 225 (1986)). TEWL provides a quantitative measure of the integrity of the stratum corneum barrier function and the relative effect of cleansers.

The operating principle of the instrument is based on Fick's law where (1/A)(dm/dt)=−D(dp/dx) where

-   A=area of the surface (m²) -   m=weight of transported water (g) -   t=time (hr) -   D=constant, 0.0877 g-1 h-1 (mm Hg)-1 related to the diffusion     coefficient of water -   p=partial pressure of water vapor in air (mm Hg) -   x=distance of the sensor from the skin surface (m)

The evaporation rate, dm/dt, is proportional to the partial pressure gradient, dp/dx. The evaporation rate can be determined by measuring the partial pressures at two points whose distance above the skin is different and known, and where these points are within a range of 15-20 mm above the skin surface.

The general clinical requirements are as follows:

-   -   1. All panelists are equilibrated for a minimum of fifteen         minutes before measurements in a test room in which the         temperature and relative humidity are controlled.     -   2. The test sites are measured or marked in such a way that pre         and post treatment measurements can be taken at approximately         the same place on the skin.     -   3. The probe is applied in such a way that the sensors are         perpendicular to the test site, using a minimum of pressure.

Probe Calibration is achieved with a calibration set (No. 2110) which is supplied with the instrument. The kit must be housed in a thermo-insulated box to ensure an even temperature distribution around the instrument probe and calibration flask.

The three salt solution used for calibration are LiCl, [MgNO₃]₂, and K₂SO₄. Pre-weighed amounts of slat at high purity are supplied with the kit instrument. The solution concentrations are such that the three solutions provide a RH of ˜11.2%, ˜54.2%, and ˜97% respectively at 21° C.

General use of the instrument is as follows:

-   -   1. For normal studies, instrument readings are taken with the         selector switch set for 1-100 g/m2h range     -   2. The protective cap is removed from the probe and the         measuring head is placed so that the Teflon capsule is applied         perpendicularly to the evaluation site ensuring that a minimum         pressure is applied from the probe head. To minimize deviations         of the zero point, the probe head should be held by the attached         rubber-insulating stopper.     -   3. Subject equilibration time prior to prior to evaluation is 15         minutes in a temperature/humidity controlled room.     -   4. The probe is allowed to stabilize at the test site for a         minimum of 30 seconds before data acquisition. When air drafts         exist and barrier damage is high it is recommended to increase         the stabilization time.     -   5. Data is acquired during the 15 seconds period following the         stabilization time.         Skin Hydration Test

The Corneometer CM820PC (Courage & Khazaha, Kohl, Germany) is a device widely used in the cosmetic industry. It allows high frequency, alternating voltage electrical measurements of skin capacitance to be safely made via an electrode applied to the skin surface. The parameters measured have been found to vary with skin hydration. However, they may also vary with many other factors such as skin temperature, sweat gland activity, and the composition of any applied product. The Corneometer can only give directional changes in the water content of the upper stratum corneum under favorable circumstances but even here the quantitative interpretations may prove misleading.

A widely used alternative is the Skicon Skin conductance Meter (I.B.S. Co Ltd. Shizuoka-ken, Japan).

Panelist Requirements for either instrument are as follows:

-   -   1. Subjects should equilibrate to room conditions, which are         maintained at a fixed temperature and relative humidity for a         minimum of 15 minutes with their arms exposed. Air currents         should be minimized.     -   2. Physical and psychological distractions should be minimized,         e.g., talking and moving around.     -   3. Consumption during at least 1 hour before measurement of hot         beverages or of any products containing caffeine should be         avoided.     -   4. Panelists should avoid smoking for at least 30 minutes prior         to measurements.         Operating Procedure     -   1. The probe should be lightly applied so as to cause minimum         depression of the skin surface by the outer casing. The         measuring surface is spring-loaded and thus the probe must be         applied with sufficient pressure that the black cylinder         disappears completely inside the outer casing.     -   2. The probe should be held perpendicular to the skin surface.     -   3. The operator should avoid contacting hairs on the measure         site with the probe.     -   4. The probe should remain in contact with the skin until the         instrument's signal beeper sounds (about 1 second) and then be         removed. Subsequent measurements can be made immediately         provided the probe surface is known to be clean.     -   5. A minimum of 3 individual measurements should be taken at         separate points on the test area and averaged to represent the         mean hydration of the site.     -   6. A dry paper tissue should be used to clean the probe between         readings.         Protocol

In order to examine rheology for in-shower lotion evaluation, the following protocol was used.

A controlled stress rheometer was configured to generate an oscillating stress ramp for tested material at a temperature of 25° C. The resulting data allowed the determination of the effect of oscillating stress (measured in Pascals) on the elastic modulus (G′) (also measured in Pascals).

The protocol was: Stress ramp range 0.1 to 100 Pascals (measure of pressure/stress applied to liquid being measured) Ramp mode Linear Frequency of oscillation 1 Hz Geometry 4 cm 2° steel cone Geometry gap (between the cone and the 48 microns plate which the product is measured in)

The data from the controlled stress rheometer was then used to try to determine: (1 ) for what values of the initial (prior to being subject to stress) elastic modulus G′ for a liquid (again, measured in Pascals) and (2) for what values of change in elastic modulus (after subjected to stress in the rheometer) it could be found that the liquid compositions could be subjectively measured as “just right” (in perceived thickness) or “lotion-like.”

In this regard, thickness is evaluated subjectively by asking respondent(s) on a panel to rate thickness of a product (upon rinsing with product) as (1) too thin; (2) too thick or (3) just right.

Similarly, respondents were asked subjectively to determine (upon rinsing) whether measured sample was (1) lotion-like or (2) gel-like.

Using rheometer to measure values for initial elastic modulus and percent change in elastic modulus when measured at given stress, and further using the subjective tests noted to correlate to the data, applicants were able to establish the following correlation:

-   -   (1) Samples which were considered to be “just right” (in terms         of thickness) according to panel testing data were those that         had initial elastic modulus of greater than 100 Pa, preferably         greater than 125 Pa, more preferably greater than 150 Pa, more         preferably greater than about 200 Pa, and more preferably         greater than about 240 Pa;     -   (2) Samples which were considered to be “lotion-like” rather         than “gel-like” were those which, upon application of pressure         of 40-100, preferably 60-100 Pa, more preferably 60-80 Pa on the         stress sample, had a decrease (drop-off) in elastic modulus of         greater than about 50%.

FIG. 1 attached at end is a graph of initial elastic modulus G′ measured in Pascals (on Y axis) as function of oscillating stress from 0 to 100 Pascals (on X axis) for one of our tested compositions (Example 1). As can be seen from the graph, primarily somewhere between stress of 60-90 Pa, the elastic modulus G′ drops steeply from about 240 to about 30. It is this steep drop (i.e., greater than 50%) which is associated with “lotion-like” consistency versus “gel-like”.

Process Used to Prepare Example Compositions

Acrylates Crosspolymers were dispersed in water. Water soluble materials were heated to about 50° C. Oil soluble ingredients were heated to 40-50° C. Oil soluble materials were homogenized until material had gained viscosity. Oil soluble ingredients were combined with water soluble ingredients, then mixed until uniform. Composition was cooled and then preservative, cationic polymer (if desired), minors and fragrance were added.

Comparative Examples A, B, and C and Examples 1-5

In order to show combined use of acrylate polymers and gums at certain ranges (and preferably with initial elastic modulus G′ of greater than about 100 correlating to desired thickness by panel testers; and drop off in elastic modulus of greater than about 50% when product is subject to defined stress), applicants prepared the following examples. TABLE 1 Comp Comp Comp Ingredient A* 1 2 B C 3 4 5 Guar Gum — — — — — — 0.21 — Gum Arabic — — 0.3 — — — — — Xanthan Gum — 0.3 — 0.2 0.45 0.21 — 0.21 Acrylates 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.1 0.21 0.45 0.45 0.45 Polymer¹ Cationic 0.5 0.5 0.5 — — — — — polymer Emollients² 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 Trihydroxy- 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 0.75 stearin Preservative 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Perfume 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Water and 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 minors to Desired NO YES YES NO NO YES YES YES Rheology Desired Too YES YES Too Too YES YES YES Viscosity thick thin thin Rheology Gel Lotion Lotion Gel Gel Lotion Lotion Lotion Description Pascals 200 252 242 0.1 0.3 140 138 111 % Change −12 −94 −52 −33 −77 −78 −52 −97 between 40 and 100 Pascals *Insufficient viscosity drop ¹Can be chosen from Carbopol, Pemulen, Ultrez or other similar polymers ²Can be chosen from hydrocarbons (mineral oil, hydrogenated polydecene, petrolatum, squalane), unsaturated oils (Safflower oil, Soybean oil, Sunflower seed oil, Castor Oil), C8-C20 glyceride oils (such as Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides) esters (cetyl octanoate, myristyl myristate, octyldodecanol, isopropyl palmitate, alkyl lactate, cholesterol isostearate) and other emollients.

As seen from Table 1, when ratio of acrylate polymer to gum was right, desired lotion like viscosity was obtained. When no gum was used, products were either too thin and/or did not have desired lotion-like rheology.

Examples 6-15

The following examples can also be prepared and are expected to meet the desired criteria (preferably with initial elastic modulus G′ of greater than about 100 correlating to desired thickness by panel testers; and drop off in elastic modulus of greater than about 50% when product is subject to defined stress). TABLE 2 Ingredient 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 GuarGum 0.2 — — — — — — 0.2 — — Xanthan Gum — 0.1 — — 0.2 0.2 0.1 — 0.1 0.1 Acrylates 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.45 0.45 0.4 0.5 Polymer¹ Cationic 0.2 0.3 0.5 — — — — — — — polymer Emollients² 15 15 15 10 10 20 25 30 10 20 Trihydroxy- 1 1 1 0.75 0.75 1 1 1.25 0.8 1 stearin Preservative 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Perfume 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Water and 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 minors to Desired YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES Rheology Desired YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES Viscosity Rheology Lotion Lotion Lotion Lotion Lotion Lotion Lotion Lotion Lotion Lotion Description ¹Can be chosen from Carbopol, Pemulen, Ultrez or other similar polymers ²Can be chosen from hydrocarbons (mineral oil, hydrogenated polydecene, petrolatum, squalane), unsaturated oils (Safflower oil, Soybean oil, Sunflower seed oil, Castor Oil), C8-C20 glyceride oils (such as Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides) esters (cetyl octanoate, myristyl myristate, octyldodecanol, isopropyl palmitate, alkyl lactate, cholesterol isostearate) and other emollients. 

1. A wet-skin treatment composition comprising: a) an aqueous phase comprising water and a dispersion stabilizer capable of forming a network in the aqueous phase that immobilizes a dispersed structured oil phase; wherein said dispersion stabilizer comprises: i) from about 0.1 to 6% by wt. of at least one acrylate polymer selected from acrylate copolymers, homopolymers, cross-polymers and mixtures thereof; and ii) from about 0.05 to about 4% at least one carbohydrate gum and mixtures thereof; wherein ratio of acrylate to gum is about 0.75:1 to 10:1; and b) a structured oil phase comprising: i) a skin compatible oil, ii) a structurant that forms a stable network comprising particles having an average size below about 25 microns which particles are present in said liquid skin compatible oil at a temperature below 35° C. in an amount sufficient to have a viscosity of 50 to 5000 poise measured at 1 sec-1 at 25° C.; and wherein said structurant is selected from the group consisting of organic structurants having MW less than 5000 Daltons, inorganic structurants or mixture of said organic and inorganic structurants that is capable of forming a 3-dimensional network to build up the viscosity of said skin compatible oil; iii) about 0.01-45% of dispersed phase based on total structured oil phase, wherein said oil phase is dispersed in said aqueous phase to form an oil-in-water emulsion having a weight average oil droplet size of 5 to 1000 microns.
 2. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of acrylate to gum is about 1:1 to 7:1.
 3. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition has an elastic modulus (G′) above about 100 Pascals.
 4. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the modulus of elasticity of said composition with acrylate and gum drops about 50% or more when subjected to stress of about 40-100 Pascals.
 5. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the skin compatible oil is a hydrocarbon oil, an ester oil, or a silicone oil.
 6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein ratio is 1:1 to 5:1.
 7. A composition according to claim 1, wherein gum is selected from xanthan gum, gum arabic, guar gum, cellulose gum, gellan gum and mixtures thereof.
 8. A composition according to claim 7, where gum is xanthan gum or guar gum.
 9. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the organic structurant forms a solution in said skin compatible oil at a temperature greater than 40° C.
 10. A composition according to claim 1, wherein weight average droplet size is 5 to 500 microns.
 11. The composition according to claim 10, wherein the structured oil phase in the oil-in-water emulsion has a weight average oil droplet size in the range of 20 to about 200 microns.
 12. The composition according to claim 10, wherein the structured oil phase has a viscosity in the range of 100 to 2000 poise at a shear rate of 1 sec⁻¹ and a temperature of 25° C.
 13. The composition according to claim 1, which additionally comprises an auxiliary benefit agent.
 14. The composition according to claim 13, wherein the auxiliary benefit agent is a functional skin benefit agent selected from the group consisting of humectants; occlusive agents, barrier lipids, skin repair agents, UV screens, vitamins, skin lightening agents, exfoliants, antimicrobials, antioxidants, and mixtures thereof.
 15. The composition according to claim 13, wherein the auxiliary benefit agent is a sensory modifier selected from the group consisting of emollients, skin conditioning agents, perfumes, distributing agents, chemosensory agents and mixtures thereof.
 16. The composition according to claim 13, wherein the auxiliary benefit agent is a chemical preservative.
 17. The composition according to claim 13, wherein the auxiliary benefit agent is a chelating agent.
 18. The composition according to claim 13, wherein the auxiliary benefit agent is an essential oil.
 19. A composition according to claim 1, wherein said structured oil phase is retained on the skin as measured by a skin retention efficiency index of at least 0.15 as determined in the in-vitro skin retention test; wherein said oil-in-water emulsion has an irritation potential measured below 0.3 on the zein solubility scale using a zein solubility test; and wherein said emulsion has a foam volume below 5 cc measured using a solution shake test.
 20. A method of providing enhanced spreadability comprising utilizing the composition of claim
 1. 